Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Employees must be trained in which area related to fire extinguishers?

1. Usage and maintenance

2. Selection of appropriate extinguishers

3. Repairing extinguishing equipment

4. Identifying hazardous areas

The correct answer is: Usage and maintenance

Training employees on the usage and maintenance of fire extinguishers is essential for ensuring their safety and preparedness in the event of a fire. Knowledge of how to properly operate a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between controlling a small fire and being overwhelmed by it, which can lead to greater danger for them and their coworkers. When employees are trained in the correct usage, they learn how to assess a fire situation, choose the appropriate extinguisher based on the type of fire, and execute the correct extinguishing technique, such as the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). Additionally, understanding basic maintenance—such as checking the pressure gauge, ensuring the extinguisher is not obstructed, and knowing when to report a malfunction—helps ensure that extinguishers are functional and accessible when needed. Being aware of the selection of appropriate extinguishers is certainly important, but it's included as part of usage training. Repairing extinguishing equipment generally falls under the responsibilities of specific trained personnel rather than all employees, and while identifying hazardous areas is crucial for overall safety, it is not directly related to the fundamental skills needed to operate a fire extinguisher. Thus, training must prioritize actual usage and maintenance to equip employees with the necessary skills